News

12 June 2026

The specialised National Preventive Mechanism within the Ombudsman Institution conducted inspections at all registration and reception centres of the State Agency for Refugees, as well as at the detention facilities of the Border Police General Directorate. An inspection is also scheduled to take place by the end of the day at the Special Home for Temporary Accommodation of Foreigners in Busmantsi.

The purpose of the inspections is to assess the conditions of accommodation and detention, as well as compliance with the rights of the persons staying there.

The inspections covered the registration and reception centres in Sofia, Harmanli, and Pastrogor, as well as the detention facilities operated by the Border Police General Directorate and the Specialised Detention Centres for Foreign Nationals under the Migration Directorate.

Upon completion, a report containing findings and recommendations will be prepared, which will be published on the Institution’s website and sent to the competent authorities.

The European Union’s Pact on Migration and Asylum takes effect today. Although the new rules are already in force, a number of Member States, including Bulgaria, have not yet fully brought their national legislation in line with the requirements of the Pact.

With the upcoming amendments to the Ombudsman Act, the Institution will assume new functions as an independent mechanism for monitoring compliance with fundamental rights in the screening procedures for third-country nationals.

The new powers are expected to include conducting periodic and unannounced on-site inspections, monitoring accommodation and detention conditions, investigating alleged violations, and ensuring that the rights of vulnerable groups—including children, people with disabilities, and victims of trafficking—are respected.

Building additional capacity is necessary in light of the new powers granted to the Ombudsman Institution.